New PC Build - Looking For Critique

[Jakeb777]

Hey guys,

I am new to building PC's. I have done some research and feel I have created a decent build. Being that I'm new to this, I would love some constructive criticism.


These are the questions from the sticky:

1. PC will be used for gaming.

2. Budget is around $1,500

3. I will be buying from the US.

4. Will be buying from the US.

5. No brand preference.

6. I have no current parts.

7. I plan on running at default speeds.

8. I am unsure what resolution. Probably 1920x1028.

9. Plan on building as soon as possible

X. I will need to purchase windows.



Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139009

RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231568

Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151095

DVD Writer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135305

Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148840

SSD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148694

Processor/Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1658250

Graphics Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150706

Monitor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236175

Windows

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-712-_-Product

Keyboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823162027


My main concerns:

1. Is everything here compatible?

2. Is the HDMI cable that comes with the monitor going to be sufficient?

3. Is the graphics card that I chose overkill?

4. Does the case that I chose really only include 2 USB ports?

5. Am I pretty?

6. Unsure on what I need to do to purchase Windows. I included a link to what I think is correct.

7. Based on this build, would an additional fan/heatsink be recommended?

8. Anything in particular here that could make this computer loud?



Thank you in advance for reviewing my build and taking the time to help a newbie out. It is very much appreciated.

-Jake

 

[njergens5]

1. Is everything here compatible?
Yes

2. Is the HDMI cable that comes with the monitor going to be sufficient?
Yes

3. Is the graphics card that I chose overkill?
Can't tell, you linked the monitor twice

4. Does the case that I chose really only include 2 USB ports?
There are going to be usb ports on the back of your case, the 2 for the case are front USB ports

5. Am I pretty?
Aren't we all?

6. Unsure on what I need to do to purchase Windows.
You just purchase it like any other software, if you buy the OEM you may not be able to transfer it in the future, also DO NOT buy the upgrade, you need OEM or Full Version, 64 bit.

16 GB of RAM might be overkill for a gaming system, 8 GB would be plenty.

Other than that it looks good, there are always a few parts you could shift around to save money or edge out a bit more performance but I wouldn't dwell on it too much.

 

[Jakeb777]

First off, thanks for your response.

I fixed the graphics card link if you wanted to take a look at that.

Is there any indication on how many USB ports would be on the back of the case? Call me simple, but I was unable to find out.

What exactly is the difference between the full version and the OEM version of Windows?

So, with 8GB of RAM, I should be able to run any game at max quality with no worries?

Also, I did add a few questions if you're still interested

7. Based on this build, would an additional fan/heatsink be recommended?

8. Anything in particular here that could make this computer loud?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You have chosen a K series processor and a Z87 motherboard. The implication of that is that you have overclocking in mind. Most overclockers would not use the stock retail cooler that comes with the processor. They would upgrade to a separate cooler, for $30 on up.

If you have no intentions of overclocking, the stock cooler is fine---but then you don't need the K processor/Z87 combination.

Re noise: the PSU and video card will likely be the noisiest pieces. I have no idea how noisy they are relative to competing products. The EVGA PSU wouldn't be at the top of my list of choices.

Nor would I expect a steel/plastic case with a lot of openings to be quiet. But who's to say what your noise tolerance level is?

You can always use the stock cooler and case fans and evaluate your temps and noise for a month or so. Then possibly buy replacements if unsatisfied.

The motherboard specs say 4 USB 3 ports and 2 USB 2 ports on the back.

I second the comments about 16 GB of RAM probably being unnecessary.

Looks like you've chosen a retail Windows. That will allow you to reinstall it on a new motherboard if you later upgrade--although only to one PC at a time.

 

[Jakeb777]

Thanks for your response.

I have no intentions at this time of overclocking, but would like the freedom of being able to in the future if I so choose.

Any recommendations for a better PSU? This is the most difficult component for me to really understand the difference between one or another.

I did change out the case since you've replied to this.

What would be the advantages of getting the OEM version of Windows other than the price difference?

 

[Ken g6]

Looking at your graphics card on its own, I see that it's a 4GB model of a relatively low-end 760. In the past I'd have said 4GB was overkill, but I see several games now starting to require 3GB for ultra graphics. Still, 3GB < 4GB, and an R9 280X, which has 3GB, is better than a 760. Many are about the same price. This pre-overclocked Gigabyte is nice, but it's very long and I don't know if it would fit in your case.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

PSU: I'd look for something from Seasonic or XFX in the 500 to 550 watt range, fully modular if you like that. There are a few under $100 and occasionally as low as $70 or so if you catch them at a discount.

Cases: Antecs generally have good build quality, as do Fractal Design and Corsairs, but I don't know if that's what you are looking for. If you insist on a side panel window, you may have to look elsewhere. If you don't care about a side window, I can tell you that the Antec Sonata Solo II is among the quieter cases. But gamers aren't usually concerned with noise levels, so I'm not sure if that has any priority with you.

OEMs only advantage is that it's cheaper. OEM Windows is supposedly restricted to an install on the original motherboard. Retail can be installed on as many different motherboards as you want--one after another and only one at a time. Each Windows installation is required to have a separate Windows license. Sometimes Microsoft is more tolerant of replacement motherboards on an OEM license---it depends on who you talk to and how you plead your case.

 

[Jakeb777]

PSU: Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like a fantastic deal - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151095
Thoughts on this one?

Cases: I would prefer to have a side panel. It's not a requirement, just a preference. I'm honestly not too concerned with noise, I just want to make sure it won't be anything that's exceptionally loud.

 

[Jakeb777]

Looking at your graphics card on its own, I see that it's a 4GB model of a relatively low-end 760. In the past I'd have said 4GB was overkill, but I see several games now starting to require 3GB for ultra graphics. Still, 3GB < 4GB, and an R9 280X, which has 3GB, is better than a 760. Many are about the same price. This pre-overclocked Gigabyte is nice, but it's very long and I don't know if it would fit in your case.

Wow, that's a big difference between those two cards. Are those comparable models?

This is an AMD R9 280x. Thoughts on this one?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

PSU: Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like a fantastic deal - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151095
Thoughts on this one?

That's fine. It's one of the old standbys that has been around a number of years.

 

[Jakeb777]

That's fine. It's one of the old standbys that has been around a number of years.

Great, thanks.

This is an AMD R9 280x as opposed to the GeForce 760. Thoughts on this card?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

This is an AMD R9 280x as opposed to the GeForce 760. Thoughts on this card?

Can't help you on gaming cards.

 

[Jakeb777]

Can't help you on gaming cards.

Ok, no problem. Thanks for all your help!

 

[daveybrat]

I like pretty much everything about your build except one big thing.

Go with this cpu/mb combo instead for the same price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...=Combo.1658250

Same cpu but with a Gigabyte Z97 chipset instead.

Additional features you get with that motherboard are:

1) Future Broadwell cpu support

2) Better audio, Realtek's premium 1150 chipset with headphone amp boost

3) Intel Network card that's better than Realtek's

4) M.2 and Sata Express connector's for future upgradability

 

[Jakeb777]

I like pretty much everything about your build except one big thing.

Go with this cpu/mb combo instead for the same price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...=Combo.1658250

Same cpu but with a Gigabyte Z97 chipset instead.

Additional features you get with that motherboard are:

1) Future Broadwell cpu support

2) Better audio, Realtek's premium 1150 chipset with headphone amp boost

3) Intel Network card that's better than Realtek's

4) M.2 and Sata Express connector's for future upgradability

Thank you! I made the change to that combo.

I'd like to pick your brain, if possible, on a change to this graphics card as opposed to my original choice. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[daveybrat]

Thank you! I made the change to that combo.

I'd like to pick your brain, if possible, on a change to this graphics card as opposed to my original choice. What are your thoughts on this?

For that price difference i'd definitely go with the MSI 280 card. At just slightly over $200 after rebate and promo code, it's a steal.

 

[Jakeb777]

For that price difference i'd definitely go with the MSI 280 card. At just slightly over $200 after rebate and promo code, it's a steal.

Would I be losing performance with this switch? A previous reply to this thread stated that the AMD R9 280x will be better than a GeForce 760. Do you agree with this? I also noticed you use an MSI yourself. Do you like it? Is there anything in particular you do not like about it?

 

[daveybrat]

Would I be losing performance with this switch? A previous reply to this thread stated that the AMD R9 280x will be better than a GeForce 760. Do you agree with this?

Yes, the 280 is faster than the 760. You're just paying a huge premium for that 4GB model.

Definitely not worth it for over $100 more in cost for a slower card overall.

And you get AMD's Mantle support with the 280 card.

I love my MSI GTX 660 card. Runs very cool and quiet. Never had a problem with it since the day i bought it. Their heatsink/fans are great.

 

[Jakeb777]

Yes, the 280 is faster than the 760. You're just paying a huge premium for that 4GB model.

Definitely not worth it for over $100 more in cost for a slower card overall.

And you get AMD's Mantle support with the 280 card.

I love my MSI GTX 660 card. Runs very cool and quiet. Never had a problem with it since the day i bought it. Their heatsink/fans are great.

Great, thanks for the information. What exactly is Mantle support?

 

[daveybrat]

Here's some info on Mantle and the games currently supported:

http://www.amd.com/en-us/innovations/software-technologies/mantle#overview

 

[njergens5]

The only reason you would go with the 4 GB model of the video card is if you wanted to SLI them together in the future, that card by itself would not have the power to utilize all 4 GB.

Looks like a really nice build so far

 

[Jakeb777]

The only reason you would go with the 4 GB model of the video card is if you wanted to SLI them together in the future, that card by itself would not have the power to utilize all 4 GB.

Looks like a really nice build so far

Thank you! I went to order everything just now and the graphics card was out of stock. Would you be able to tell me if this one will fit in my case?

 

[lehtv]

Thank you! I went to order everything just now and the graphics card was out of stock. Would you be able to tell me if this one will fit in my case?

Don't buy that one, the non-Black Edition one is $40 cheaper.

What case did you get? The XFX 280 is 11.61", it won't fit all ATX cases

 

[Jakeb777]

Don't buy that one, the non-Black Edition one is $40 cheaper.

What case did you get? The XFX 280 is 11.61", it won't fit all ATX cases

This is the case that I'm looking at. The only compatibility check I have done was on pcpartpicker, but that website doesn't have too hot of a reputation around here.

 

[DSF]

This is the case that I'm looking at. The only compatibility check I have done was on pcpartpicker, but that website doesn't have too hot of a reputation around here.

PCPartPicker is fine for helping you organize your thoughts about a build. It's just not a substitute for doing your own research and comparison shopping.

If you're referring to the "I hate PCPartPicker" that's in a signature or two I wouldn't put too much stock in that.

Edit: Incidentally, the Nine Hundred wouldn't be my choice for a number of reasons. One, it's BigMcLargeHuge. If you really want that it's fine, but generally for the kind of machine you're building there's not a ton of benefit to it. It's designed to look "cool" if you like that flashy aesthetic and allow a lot of room for expansion and airflow - more airflow than you need for a build like yours. One thing it isn't going to do is be particularly quiet if that's of interest to you.

That said, more than anything else in the entire build the case comes down to personal preference, and it's the only part of the build you're going to see no matter where you are in the room. You should absolutely buy the one that appeals to you.